What if Your Dog Needs More Support? Understanding the Power of Being Supportive

Support is a fundamental aspect of any relationship, including the bond we share with our canine companions. Being supportive to our dogs means providing help and encouragement when they need it the most. However, offering effective support requires a deep understanding of what truly helps and what might hinder our dogs in challenging situations.

Consider a scenario where someone unfamiliar visits your home, and your dog reacts negatively by barking, growling, lunging, or even attempting to bite. In such instances, it's essential to ask ourselves two crucial questions: "What help did we offer our dog at that moment?" and "Have we previously taught our dog what help looks like in our relationship?"

As humans, we often fall into the trap of offering what we believe is help, but it may actually encourage undesirable behaviours. For instance, saying "no," giving treats, or petting the dog during such situations might inadvertently reinforce the very behaviours we want to discourage. To be truly supportive, we need to establish clear language and consistent behaviours that promote positive actions in our dogs.

So, what can we do to provide the right support? It starts with teaching our dogs behaviours that we want to encourage and reinforcing those actions with positive reinforcement. This way, when challenging situations arise, our dogs are better equipped to respond appropriately.

However, many dog owners find themselves at a loss when it comes to offering meaningful support to their pets. That's where our TDO program comes in. Our carefully designed program is tailored not only to assist and encourage your dog but also to guide you, the handler, in becoming a more effective and supportive partner in your dog's training journey.

By participating in the TDO program, you'll learn how to read your dog's cues, understand their needs, and respond appropriately to offer the right kind of support. Our goal is to empower both you and your dog, fostering a stronger and more fulfilling relationship built on trust, understanding, and effective communication.

When your dog needs more support, we're here to help you become the supportive and encouraging ally they need. Let's embark on this transformative training journey together.